Q: I had hip replacement surgery with a resultant estimated 700 cc hematoma and was only placed on baby aspirin post op.
I had hip replacement surgery with a resultant estimated 700 cc hematoma and was only placed on baby aspirin post op. Developed large bilateral pulmonary emboli leading to a secondary hospitalization. I'm a former ICU charge nurse and then anesthetist, this shouldn't have happened.
A:
You may have a viable case. Medical malpractice means that a doctor violated the standard of care. A bad outcome is not enough. Another doctor would be needed to evaluate what the doctors did. What you describe appears to be below the standard of care-it must be confirmed by a doctor expert.
The next issue is the nature and extent of the harm. Due to the nature of medical malpractice cases, the extent of the injuries may affect the viability of your case.
A: Being that you have clinical knowledge and have already reached opinions about the medical care, to make sure you are within the statute of limitations for filing suit -- ABSOLUTELY, seek out an attorney who has proven experience with OB cases... they are generally located in large cities where medical centers are located. Most medical malpractice attorneys handle them on contingency fee with a free initial consultation. During that consultation bring your evidence of wrong doing. Remember, violations of standards (wrong doing) alone is not sufficient for filing a lawsuit, the wrong doing must have a factual chain of events that directly lead to injury. ALSO obtain, give the attorney the benefit of your knowledge when interpreting the records. That may speed up decision making.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
